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Jan 24, 2012

Ayurveda Basti Treatment, Medicated Enema, Vasti Treatment

Basti therapy is one of the major pancharma treatments. Ayurvedic basti refers to the introduction of certain oils, herbal concoctions, and sometimes milk or other liquids through the perineum- anus, urethra in men or vagina in women. Basti is the most effective treatment for vata dosha or vata disorders. The term 'Basti' literally means bag or bladder. In ancient times, sterilized urinary bladders of animals were used to inject the fluids into the rectum. Therefore, this ayurvedic therapy came to be known as Basti Karma.

Basti is effective for most of the diseases. In ayurveda 50% of the treatment can be cured by basti treatment. It increases weight in emaciated people, decreases weight in the obese, improves vision, prevents aging, brings back lustre and strength, and healthy longevity. It is specifically for vatic disorders. Digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from diseases patients gets relief through bastis.

It also provides relief in conditions like distensions of abdomen, flatulence, spastic colon, dryness of digestive tract,in chronic fever, etc. General debility, impaired immunity bed ridden conditions like paralysis is also is treated by Basti. Facial palsy, muscular dystrophy and other related disorder can be cure by Basti treatment. Basti treatment can also be used for immunity and health promotion in ayurveda there are few bastis, which is meant for nourishment and longevity.

As a whole basti is meant for top to bottom and head to toe treatment. Its efficacy is from skin, the outer layer to our vital organ such as heart, mind, lunges, kidney and intestestine etc.

Uttar Basti – in different kind of condition of uterus this basti is given to patients. It is useful for infertility, swollen uterus, such as uterine prolapsed, urinary obstruction, habitual abortions, leucorrhoea, mennorhagia etc.

Vranagata Basti – medicated decoctions are used to clean and heal the wounds and abscesses.

Yoga Basti - a series of 8 treatments, beginning with Anuvasana Basti then followed by Nirooha basti. These two treatments are given on alternate days and the last two treatments are concluded with Anuvasana Basti

Kala Basti - a series of 16 treatments, beginning with Anuvasana Basti then followed by Nirooha basti. These two treatments are given on alternate days and the last four treatments are concluded with Anuvasana Basti

Karma Basti - a series of 30 treatments, beginning with Anuvasana Basti then followed by Nirooha basti. These two treatments are given on alternate days and the last six treatments are concluded with Anuvasana Basti

Bruhan Basti - nutritional enema. This basti is very much useful for the patients who are very weak physically and emotionally. This basti is useful for weight gain and for colour complexions.

Prior to Basti treatment Bowels and bladder must be evacuated. 10 to 15 minutes warm oil massage on the belly and back fomentation is required. For panchkarma treatment emesis and purgation treatments are given prior to basti treatment. Decoctions enemas are to be retained for 48 minutes (minimum 15 minutes).

Contraindications: Basti is generally contraindicated in all types of dysenteries, diarrhea’s, diabetes, pulmonary tuberculosis, severe anemia, per rectal bleeding. It is also contraindicated in infantile problems and senile debility.

Complications of Basti therapyIn incomplete basti treatment patient gets headache, gas, acidity, loss of apitite, pains and cramps in abdomen, anorectal itching, inflammation, ulceration, piles, fissure and giddiness. For pain in abdomen after Basti, massage the abdomen gently! For headache immediately after Basti, head and forehead massage followed by Ginger tea, rock salt etc. can be given. If liquids are not expelled after 48 minutes another Basti treatment is prescribed with hot water (38C) and fomentation to the lower back and abdomen. Warm water can also be consumed. If complications arise fast acting purgatives (e.g. Castor oil with warm water or prune juice) must be administered immediately to expel loosened toxins from the colon.

Advantages of Ayurvedic Basti TreatmentAyurvedic Basti restores the balance of the doshas or the body types. The Vata body type, in particular, can get the maximum benefit of basti ayurvedic therapies. Some of the advantages of Basti include

• It increases weight in emaciated people by providing high nutrition and rejuvenation.

• It is also beneficial in weight loss programmes as some basti treatments reduce weight in the obese

• Basti is very beneficial in preventing heart pain, backache, sciatica and other pains in the joints.

• As vata disorder is the main cause of many pains including joint pains and knee pain, basti provides relief in such conditions as arthritis, rheumatism, gout, muscle spasms and headaches.

• It is also effective for most of the digestive disorders like dry colon, dry rectum condition and the tendency towards constipation resulting from such conditions.

These were only some conditions where basti proves to be beneficial. Ayurveda practitioners use basti for treating many other medical conditions including certain chronic diseases too.

Side Effects of BastiIf administered properly, Basti karma has very few or no side effects on the body. When Basti therapy remains incomplete, one can experience spasmodic pains, burning sensation, anorectal itching and pain, anorexia, blockage of stools and wind. If excessive basti treatment is provided, it may cause anorectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness, and muscular cramps.